Edinburgh Sports Academy Serves Up Scotland Selection for City School Boy

An Edinburgh teenager has been chosen to represent Scotland in an international badminton competition. The European Under-17 Championships are due to take place at Medvode in Slovenia, from the 7th to the 15th of November this year, and sixteen year old Edward Cogliano will attempt to smash his way to the final. The James Gillespie high pupil has already racked up a number of age group titles in badminton and recently represented Scotland in the UK School Games held in Cardiff. With a passion for sport from an early age, Edward has been attending the City of Edinburgh Council’s Schools Sports Academy. The Academy was set up to help talented pupils reach their sporting potential, and is funded by the Children and Families department. In the last year, over 80 percent of Sports Academy athletes have achieved selection to regional or national squads. Speaking about his selection, Edward said: “I’m really pleased and proud to be chosen to represent Scotland for the first time. It’s something I have always dreamed of doing. It’s going to be a fantastic experience.” “It will be great to walk around the athletes’ village and be with all the other athletes. I’m really grateful to all the coaches at the Edinburgh Schools Sports Academy and the National Squad who have helped me achieve my goal.” “The badminton strength and conditioning training has allowed me to become an international player. And this experience has inspired me to continue to work hard so that I can continue to represent Scotland and develop as a player. In the future, I would like to mentor and coach younger players so that they can have a similar experience.” City Education Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren, speaking about Edward’s achievment, said: “It takes stamina and determination to make it to this level in any sport. On behalf of the city, I wish him all the best and hope he goes all the way in fulfilling his dream.